Inkan Registration
In the "citizen's Affairs Division" in City Hall, apply for an "inkan stamp
certificate" (inkan shoumeisho).

National Health Insurance (back to top)
If you have an Alien Registration Card, you are by definition required to subscribe
to the health insurance program. Subscribe at the "National Health Insurance
& Pension Division" in City Hall.

Cash, Foreign Exchange and Traveller's Checks
Travellers checks aren't very common in Okazaki. Bring a Visa card and use the
ATMs operated by the post office.

Opening a Bank AccountYou'll need an Alien Registration Card from the City Hall to open a bank
account.

Cash Card (back to top)
When you open an account, you can also apply for a cash card at the same time
so that you can use at ATMs.

Overseas Remittances and Foreign Currency Exchange
Remittances can be made from both banks (bank transfer) and post offices (giro).
Remittances from foreign banks to post accounts are not possible.

Embassies and Consulates
There are no embassies or foreign consulates in Okazaki.

Pre-PaidCellphones (back to top)
Telephones that anyone can use. You can buy replacement cards from convenience
stores.

SubscriptionCellphones
For these you mostly need an Alien Registration Card.

BookshopsThe largest being Miraiya-shoten on the 3rd floor of the AEON shopping complex.
For the most part the bookshops only sell Japanese language content. Magazines,
maps, dictionaries and so on are also available in most of the shops.

Courier Services, Moving/Leaving (back
to top)If you move into Okazaki, remember to go to City Hall for Alien Registration.
You will need to contact the Utilities companies about 7-10 days before you
leave.

Time Difference (back to top)
All of Japan is on the same time zone, the country is 9 hours ahead of GMT.

Electricity
Household current is AC100V on 60Hz. The required plugs are flat two-pin, usually
with no earth. Battery sizes A, AA, AAA, are common and sold in virtually any
convenience stores.

Libraries
Okazaki Public Library
Myodaiji-cho
Azachaen 11-3 Tel: 0564-51-2251
As of 2004: Open 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. (July and August until 6 p.m.), closed Mondays,
the 3rd Friday of the month, and the period between December 28th and January
4th.